The debate between President Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump called into the question Biden’s ability to serve another four year term, (“A halting Biden tries to confront Trump at debate but sparks Democratic anxiety about his candidacy,” June 27). If Biden drops out of the race, I suggest that the new candidate select a running mate from across the aisle - i.e., a moderate Republican.

Many Republicans have already come out to say that Trump remains an existential threat to our democracy. Desperate times require desperate measures. A presidential team combining moderate members of both parties would be a potent force, appealing to the vast number of independents and otherwise uncommitted members and of the electorate.

Some possible candidates could include a Democrat like California Gov. Gavin Newsom or Republicans like Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah or former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois.

What do we have to lose? Only our democracy.

Robert Tomcho, Portland

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